Elder Law

Planning for elderly people often involves the same issues described above, yet it can also present specific challenges.

WHAT IS MEDI-CAL PLANNING?

Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal Medicaid system, covers the cost of nursing homes (also called Skilled Nursing Facilities, or “SNFs”). There are strict asset requirements to qualify for Medi-Cal, the main one being that a single person can only have $2,000 in countable resources (not including a residence or retirement accounts from which required minimum distributions are being made). In addition, if the person in the SNF is married, the spouse living in the community can only have about $110,000 in countable resources. However, there are steps that can be taken to transfer the elderly person’s assets so that these requirements are met. Please note that Medi-Cal does not cover the cost of assisted living facilities or retirement communities. In addition, not every nursing home accepts Medi-Cal.

If you or a loved one is receiving long-term care in a SNF or might such care in the near future, please contact us to discuss your family’s options.